Multi-Fitting Sprinkler and Flexible Tubing Connector

ABSTRACT

A sprinkler and flexible tubing fitting connector configured to attach multiple sizes of sprinklers and multiple sizes of flexible tubing. The sprinkler and flexible tubing fitting connector has at least one sprinkler head connector and at least one flexible tubing fitting connector. The sprinkler head connector has at least a first connector and a second connector to attach multiple sizes of sprinklers. The flexible tubing fitting connector has at least a first connector and a second connector to attach multiple sizes of flexible tubing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed technology relates generally to irrigation fittings, and more particularly to irrigation fittings for connecting varying sized irrigation components including sprinkler heads and flexible tubing for fluid delivery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sprinkler heads are used to irrigate crops, lawns, landscapes, golf courses, and other areas. Sprinkler heads are also used for control of airborne dust. Fluid such as water is provided from a source and delivered to a sprinkler head via a network of flexible tubing and valves. The sprinkler head(s) then distribute the fluid typically via a spray nozzle positioned in the sprinkler head. As used herein the term “fitting” is generally used to refer to a coupling element, such as a tee, elbow, or linear coupling element while the term “connector” is utilized to refer to a connecting portion of each fitting, such as the threads at an end of a threaded fitting or the barbs at an end of a barbed fitting.

Sprinkler heads come in a variety of sizes and typically have a threaded female connector for connecting to a fitting which in turn connects to an irrigation piping. A preferred material for use as an irrigation piping is a flexible tubing. The female connectors are approximately one inch (“1”) deep into the sprinkler head. The diameter of the female connections may vary among different sprinklers but are typically one-half inch (½″) or three-fourths inch (¾″).

The fitting typically will utilize a second end having a connector for connecting to the flexible irrigation tubing. Flexible irrigation tubing is typically manufactured in a variety of sizes, including but not limited to ½″ swing pipe, ½″ flex pipe, ¾″ poly pipe, and 1″ poly pipe. These measurements are standard piping and fitting sizes in the irrigation industry and constitute the external diameter of the piping. Thus when a connector of a fitting is labeled as being ½″ or ½ inch, the meaning is that it is to be used with the corresponding sprinkler head or flexible tubing that is labeled ½″ or ½ inch in the industry, typically referring to an outer circumference of ½″ or ½ inch. The same nomenclature is also used for ¾ inch, 1 inch, and ⅜ inch piping and sprinkler heads. The diameter of the irrigation flexible tubing used in a project varies, depending on factors such as volume of fluid desired to be distributed, location of the irrigation flexible tubing, and type of flexible tubing used. Typically flexible irrigation tubing is connected to a barbed fitting by sliding the tubing over the barbs of the fitting. Depending on the flexible tubing, a clamp can then be used to secure the connection between the flexible tubing and the fitting.

In order to attach a sprinkler head to a fitting, the correct sized fitting for that flexible tubing must be used. This requires matching the appropriate diameter fitting with the appropriate element to which it is connected. To facilitate the variety of sizes requires an irrigation worker to carry multiple sized fittings or risk having to spend time in acquiring different sized fittings. This can be costly and an inefficient use of time and resources. What is needed is a series of fittings such that can each be used for varying sizes of sprinkler heads and/or varying sizes of flexible irrigation tubing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an irrigation fitting, a sprinkler head, and a segment of flexible tubing.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an irrigation fitting, a small sprinkler head, and a segment of flexible tubing.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an irrigation fitting.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the irrigation fitting shown in FIG. 21.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the summary is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The summary is neither intended to define the inventive concept(s) of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any way.

What is disclosed is an irrigation fitting configured for connecting two or more components of an irrigation system. The components include, but are not limited to, sprinkler heads and flexible tubing. The fittings include a first end and a second end. The first end comprises two different sized connectors for connecting to a first component of an irrigation system. The second end comprises two different sized connectors for connecting to a second component of an irrigation system. The connectors can include threads, such that two different sized threads are included on the end of the fitting. The connectors can include barbs, such that two different sized barbs are included on the end of the fitting. The connectors typically are male connectors and are configured such that the smaller connector is distal to the larger connector. The fitting can be configured to connect to more than two irrigation components, such as a t-shaped connector, which is configured to attach to three components. Examples of components configured to attach to two components include, but are not limited to, elbows, flexible tubing to sprinkler head connectors, and flexible tubing to flexible tubing connectors

What is further disclosed is a sprinkler head connector configured for connecting a sprinkler head to a flexible tubing. The sprinkler head connector has a flexible tubing end configured to attach to a flexible tubing and a sprinkler end configured to attach to a sprinkler head. The sprinkler end has a first sprinkler connector and a second sprinkler connector. The first sprinkler connector and the second sprinkler connector are preferably threaded to screw into the sprinkler heads.

The first sprinkler connector is positioned proximate to the end of the sprinkler end. The first sprinkler connector has a small diameter configured for connecting to a female connector opening of a sprinkler with a female connector that has a small diameter.

The second sprinkler connector is positioned adjacent to the first sprinkler connector. The second sprinkler connector has a diameter larger than the first sprinkler connector. The larger diameter of the second sprinkler connector is configured for connecting to female connector opening of a sprinkler with a female connector that has a large diameter.

The sprinkler end is configured such that when the first sprinkler connector is attached to the sprinkler head with a smaller female connector, the second sprinkler connector fits against the sprinkler head. The sprinkler end is further configured such that when the second sprinkler connector is attached to the sprinkler head with a larger female connector, the first sprinkler connector is positioned within the larger female connector.

The flexible tubing end of the sprinkler head connector preferably has a first flexible tubing connector and a second flexible tubing connector. The first flexible tubing connector and the second flexible tubing connector are preferably barb fittings configured to create a fluid tight seal to the flexible tubing each fitting attaches. Depending on the flexible tubing utilized, a clamp may be required to create the fluid tight seal.

The first flexible tubing connector is positioned proximate to the end of the flexible tubing end. The first flexible tubing connector has a small diameter configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a small diameter.

The second flexible tubing connector is positioned adjacent to the first flexible tubing connector. The second flexible tubing connector has a diameter larger than the first flexible tubing connector. The larger diameter of the second flexible tubing connector is configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a larger diameter.

The flexible tubing end is configured such that when the first flexible tubing end is attached to a flexible tubing with a small diameter, the second flexible tubing connector fits against the edge of the flexible tubing with the small diameter. The flexible tubing end is further configured such that when the second flexible tubing end is attached to a flexible tubing with a large diameter, the first flexible tubing connector is positioned within the flexible tubing with a large diameter.

The irrigation fitting can have multiple sprinkler head ends and multiple flexible tubing ends to attach to multiple sections of flexible tubing and/or multiple sprinkler heads.

What is further disclosed is a fitting configured for connecting multiple sections of flexible tubing. The fitting has at least one flexible tubing end configured for connecting to a flexible tubing. The flexible tubing end of the connector preferably has a first flexible tubing connector and a second flexible tubing connector. The first flexible tubing connector and the second flexible tubing connector are preferably each one or more barbs configured to create a fluid tight seal to the flexible tubing to each end the fitting attaches to.

The first flexible tubing connector is positioned proximate to the end of the flexible tubing end. The first flexible tubing connector has a small diameter configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a small diameter.

The second flexible tubing connector is positioned adjacent to the first flexible tubing connector. The second flexible tubing connector has a diameter larger than the first flexible tubing connector. The larger diameter of the second flexible tubing connector is configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a larger diameter.

The flexible tubing end is configured such that when the first flexible tubing end is attached to a flexible tubing with a small diameter, the second flexible tubing connector fits against the edge of the flexible tubing with the small diameter. The flexible tubing end is further configured such that when the second flexible tubing end is attached to a flexible tubing with a large diameter, the first flexible tubing connector is positioned within the flexible tubing with a large diameter.

The flexible tubing end of the irrigation connector preferably has a first flexible tubing connector and a second flexible tubing connector. The first flexible tubing connector and the second flexible tubing connector are preferably a barb connector configured to create a fluid tight seal to the flexible tubing each connector attaches to.

The first flexible tubing connector is positioned proximate to the end of the flexible tubing end. The first flexible tubing connector has a small diameter configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a small diameter.

The second flexible tubing connector is positioned adjacent to the first flexible tubing connector. The second flexible tubing connector has a diameter larger than the first flexible tubing connector. The larger diameter of the second flexible tubing connector is configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a larger diameter.

The flexible tubing end is configured such that when the first flexible tubing end is attached to a flexible tubing with a small diameter, the second flexible tubing connector fits against the edge of the flexible tubing with the small diameter. The flexible tubing end is further configured such that when the second flexible tubing end is attached to a flexible tubing with a large diameter, the first flexible tubing connector is positioned within the flexible tubing with a large diameter.

The flexible tubing connector can have multiple ends configured for connecting multiple flexible tubing.

Still other features and advantages of the claimed invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the description of the preferred embodiments is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the irrigation fitting 2. The irrigation fitting 2 preferably has a sprinkler end 8 with a small sprinkler connector 10 and a large sprinkler connector 12. The irrigation fitting 2 preferably has a flexible tubing end 14 configured for connecting to a flexible tubing 44 by being inserted into the diameter 46.

Further illustrated in FIG. 1 is a sprinkler head 38 with a large female connector 42. In a preferred embodiment, the large sprinkler connector 12 is configured for connecting to the large female connector.

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the irrigation fitting 2 and a sprinkler head 36 with a small female connector 40. The small sprinkler connector 10 is configured to attach to the small female connector 40. When the small sprinkler connector 10 is attached to the small female connector 40, the large sprinkler connector 12 fits adjacent to the bottom of the small female connector 40.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the sprinkler end 8 attached to a portion of the body 28 of the irrigation fitting (not shown in its entirety). FIG. 3 illustrates the sprinkler end 8 having a diameter 46 that allows for the flow of fluid. FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate the small sprinkler connector 10 positioned proximate to the sprinkler end 8 and the large sprinkler connector 12 positioned adjacent to the small sprinkler connector 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred height of the sprinkler end 8. The small sprinkler connector 10 preferably has a height H1 that is approximately half of the height H2 of a female connector for a sprinkler head. The height H2 is also preferably the height of the large sprinkler connector 12 and the small sprinkler connector 10 combined.

In a preferred embodiment, the small sprinkler connector 10 and the large sprinkler connector 12 are threaded for connection to the female connector of a sprinkler head.

FIGS. 5-10 illustrate embodiments of the flexible tubing connector 18 for connecting to the body 28 of the irrigation fitting (not illustrated in its entirety). The flexible tubing connector end is preferably configured to attach to multiple sized tubing in order to attach a variety of sizes of flexible tubing. The flexible tubing connector end 18 has an opening 46 that has a diameter that allows for passage of fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible tubing connector end 18 has a small flexible tubing connector 24 and a large flexible tubing connector 26.

Illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 is a second small flexible tubing connector 22 that is configured to attach to the small flexible tubing connector 24. The second small flexible tubing connector 22 has a diameter 46 less than that of the small flexible tubing connector 24. This second small flexible tubing connector 22 is configured to attach a flexible tubing with a smaller diameter.

Illustrated in FIGS. 9-10 is a third small flexible tubing connector 20 that is configured to attach to the second small flexible tubing connector 22. The third small flexible tubing connector 20 has a diameter 46 less than that of the small flexible tubing connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible tubing connector end is barbed for a fluid tight connection with a flexible tubing.

FIG. 11-12 illustrate a preferred embodiment of an irrigation fitting 30. The flexible tubing connector is configured to connect flexible tubing together or alternatively connect flexible tubing to sprinklers using a barb fit connection. The fitting 30 has two flexible tubing ends 14 configured for connection to different sizes of flexible tubing or sprinkler heads. The flexible tubing ends 14 have a large flexible tubing connector 22 configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a larger diameter and a small flexible tubing connector 20 configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a smaller diameter. The flexible tubing ends 14 are separated by the body 28. The body 28 is preferably a flexible tubing or tube for passage of a fluid through the diameter 46. In this embodiment, the fitting 30 is generally linear.

FIG. 13-14 illustrate an alternate preferred embodiment of a fitting 32. In this alternate embodiment, the body 28 is approximately 90 degrees. The fitting 32 has two flexible tubing connector ends 14 configured for connecting different sizes of flexible tubing. The flexible tubing ends 14 have a large flexible tubing connector 22 configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a larger diameter and a small flexible tubing connector 20 configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a smaller diameter.

FIG. 15-16 illustrate an alternate preferred embodiment of a fitting 34. The body 28 is in a T-Shape and the fitting 34 has three flexible tubing ends 14 configured for connecting multiple segments of flexible tubing. An opening 46 is provided for fluid flow through the fitting to or from the flexible tubing. The flexible tubing ends 14 have a large flexible tubing connector 22 configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a larger diameter and a small flexible tubing connector 20 configured for connecting to a flexible tubing with a smaller diameter.

FIGS. 17-22 illustrate alternate preferred embodiments of an irrigation fitting. FIG. 17-18 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the irrigation fitting 4 with a short body 28. The irrigation fitting 4 has a sprinkler end 8 configured to attach to sprinkler heads. The sprinkler end 8 has a small sprinkler connector 10 configured to attach to a sprinkler head with a small female connector. The sprinkler head connector has a large sprinkler connector 12 configured to attach a sprinkler head with a large female connector. The irrigation fitting 4 has a flexible tubing end 14 configured for connecting to a flexible tubing (not shown). The flexible tubing end 14 has a small flexible tubing connector 20 configured for connecting a flexible tubing with a small diameter and a large flexible tubing connector 22 configured for connecting a flexible tubing with a larger diameter.

FIG. 19-20 illustrate an alternate preferred embodiment of a fitting 2 with a body 28 being curved approximately 90 degrees. The irrigation fitting 2 has a sprinkler end 8 configured to attach to sprinkler heads. The sprinkler end 8 has a small sprinkler connector 10 configured to attach to a sprinkler head with a small female connector. The fitting has a large sprinkler connector 12 configured to attach a sprinkler head with a large female connector. The irrigation fitting 4 has a flexible tubing end 14 configured for connecting to a flexible tubing (not shown). The flexible tubing end 14 has a small flexible tubing connector 20 configured for connecting a flexible tubing with a small diameter and a large flexible tubing connector 22 configured for connecting a flexible tubing with a larger diameter.

FIG. 21-22 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the irrigation fitting 6 with a body 28 in a T-shape. The irrigation fitting 6 has a sprinkler end 8 configured to attach to sprinkler heads. The sprinkler end 8 has a small sprinkler connector configured to attach to a sprinkler head with a small female connector. The irrigation fitting has a large sprinkler connector 12 configured to attach a sprinkler head with a large female connector. The irrigation fitting 6 has two flexible tubing ends 14 configured for connecting to two segments of flexible tubing (not shown) by being inserted into the diameter 46. This allows for the irrigation fitting 6 to be inserted into a flexible tubing line and have a system of sprinklers throughout a field or yard. The flexible tubing end 14 has a small flexible tubing connector 20 configured for connecting a flexible tubing with a small diameter and a large flexible tubing connector 22 configured for connecting a flexible tubing with a larger diameter.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible tubing ends have a first and a second flexible tubing connector. In an alternate embodiment, the flexible tubing end is configured such that a single fitting can be utilized with multiple sizes of irrigation pipe.

While certain exemplary embodiments are shown in the Figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of this disclosure. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An irrigation fitting for connecting two or more components of an irrigation system, said irrigation fitting comprising: a first end comprising two different sized connectors for connecting to a first component of an irrigation system; a second end comprising two different sized connectors for connecting to a second component of an irrigation system, an intermediate section between said first end and said second end, wherein said intermediate section defining a tube and configured for the flow there through of a fluid, wherein a distal connector of said second end from said intermediate section comprises a smaller diameter than a proximal connector of said second end from said intermediate section; and wherein a distal connector of said first end from said intermediate section comprises a smaller diameter than a proximal connector of said first end from said intermediate section.
 2. The irrigation fitting of claim 1 wherein said distal connector of said second end and said proximal connector of said second end comprise a series of barbs.
 3. The irrigation fitting of claim 1 wherein said distal connector of said second end and said proximal connector of said second end comprise a series of threads, wherein said threads of said distal connector of said second end define a distal circumference, wherein said threads of said proximal connector of said second end define a proximal circumference, wherein said distal circumference is smaller than said proximal circumference.
 4. The irrigation fitting of claim 1 wherein said fitting defines a T-shape, wherein said fitting comprises a third end, wherein said third end defines a connector comprising two different sized connectors for connecting to a third component of an irrigation system
 5. The irrigation fitting of claim 1, wherein said fitting comprises an elbow fitting.
 6. The irrigation fitting of claim 1, wherein said fitting comprises a connector configured for connecting two lengths of a flexible tubing.
 7. The irrigation fitting of claim 1 wherein said fitting comprises an adapter for connecting a sprinkler head to a length of flexible tubing.
 8. The irrigation fitting of claim 1, wherein said irrigation components comprise at least one sprinkler head and at least one flexible tubing.
 9. The irrigation fitting of claim 1, wherein said distal connector of said first end comprises a series of barbs configured to connect to a flexible tubing having a diameter of ½ inch, wherein said proximal connector of said first end comprises a series of barbs configured to connect to a flexible tubing having a diameter of ¾ inches.
 10. The irrigation fitting of claim 1, wherein said distal connector of said first end comprises a series of threads configured to connect to a female connector having a diameter of ½ inch, wherein said proximal connector of said first end comprises a series of threads configured to connect to a female connector having a diameter of ¾ inches.
 11. The irrigation fitting of claim 1, wherein said distal connector of said first end comprises a series of threads configured to connect to a female connector having a diameter of ¾ inch, wherein said proximal connector of said first end comprises a series of threads configured to connect to a female connector having a diameter of 1 inch.
 12. The irrigation fitting of claim 1, wherein said distal connector of said first end comprises a series of barbs configured to connect to a flexible tubing having a diameter of ¾ inch, wherein said proximal connector of said first end comprises a series of barbs configured to connect to a flexible tubing having a diameter of 1 inch. 